Male CD1 mice in three experimental groups, control (unburned), hind limb (local burn), and 30% total body surface area (distant burn), were killed between 6 hours and 10 days postburn; and changes in gastrocnemius muscle global gene expression were assessed using microarrays.

Results:

The 35 immuno-inflammatory genes are differentially expressed in both models, with an additional 20 and 30 genes specific to distant and local burn, respectively. These genes encode chemokines, oxidative-stress, complement, and defense/immune functions.

Conclusion:

Burn mediates a common systemic response, independent of the site or extent of injury, and also specific responses to local versus distant trauma. A transcriptome profile of genes that initiate and sustain systemic inflammation has been identified.